NOTRE DAME — The NCAA has denied Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter a sixth year of eligibility.

Slaughter had submitted an appeal to the NCAA after an Achilles injury sidelined the 6-foot, 200-pound safety for the majority of the 2012 season.

Slaughter appeared to have received the NCAA’s final ruling Wednesday, Feb. 13, Tweeting: “It’s been great ND! Hey you know what they say when one door closes another one opens!”

Notre Dame confirmed the NCAA’s decision on Thursday morning.

“I understood that a sixth year was far from a guarantee,” Slaughter said in a statement released by Notre Dame. “It is sad to know that my time at Notre Dame as a football player is complete, but it doesn’t lessen my love for this University and its football program. This decision simply begins the next chapter of my life and I’ll be forever grateful for my coaches, teammates and all the Irish fans that supported me throughout my career.”

Slaughter will now set his sights on the NFL Scouting Combine, where he’s been invited to participate.

“I appreciate the NCAA taking the time to thoroughly look into Jamoris’ application for a sixth year,” head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. “Jamoris is a first-class young man and most importantly leaves Notre Dame with his degree. We wish him all the best as he now pursues his dream of playing in the NFL.”

Slaughter, who joined the team in 2008 and registered 98 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble, graduated from Notre Dame in May 2012 with a degree in industrial design.